Key Takeaways
– Robert Downey Jr. ushered in MCU's golden age with ‘Iron Man.'
– One scene in the film led to an argument between director Jon Favreau and U.S. Department of Defense Liaison, Phil Strub.
– The disputed dialogue did not make it to the final cut of ‘Iron Man.'
– The MCU is set to shift to a less subtle storytelling approach with ‘Deadpool & Wolverine.'
A Peek Behind Iron Man's Shoot
The 2008 gem ‘Iron Man,' which kick-started a golden era for Marvel and laid the groundwork for the Avengers, was far from a typical shooting experience. The film was packed with impromptu dialogues and scenes, subtly enhancing the mystery of Robert Downey Jr.'s character, Tony Stark.
The Disagreement that Spiced Up the Shoot
Interestingly, one specific scene and dialogue sparked a disagreement between Director Jon Favreau and the U.S. Department of Defense's liaison officer they had on board, Phil Strub. The disagreement ran so deep that they had to adjust the scene, something Favreau was initially discontent about. However, the new dialogue was accepted easily but did not feature in the final movie.
The Scene that Rattled the Set
Particularly, one scene in Iron Man caught attention when Tony Stark, the famous character portrayed by Robert Downey Jr., flirted with two women, teasing a potential threesome. He then excuses himself to take a call and leaves them with an interesting phrase.
As the scene unfolds, Tony invites the women to pick a number between one and five. Upon their response, he affirms their choice, takes off with them only to leave for a phone call. Following this, a U.S. military officer playfully comments he would ‘end himself' to have Stark's opportunities.
Dialogues Drawing Department of Defense's Ire
Understandably, this dialogue did not sit well with Strub, who was uncomfortable with an enlisted man casually referencing suicide. Favreau tried to stick up for the scene but couldn't convince Strub. In a fit of annoyance, he suggested a revision to the dialogue, with the soldier expressing a willingness to walk over hot coals for Stark's chances instead.
Iron Man Setting the Pace for Marvel
‘Iron Man' signaled a new era for Marvel, catapulting the company into its golden age and establishing MCU's penchant for subtlety in storytelling. The blend of goofy, fun and serious moments wrapped in subtle dialogues became a trademark for MCU.
Change on the Horizon: Deadpool and Wolverine
However, with ‘Deadpool & Wolverine' in the pipeline, it appears MCU is revising its storytelling approach. The movie indicates a strategic move towards a less subtle and more uninhibited narrative style acknowledged by the positive response from MCU's fanbase in recent years.
Farewell to Subtlety for MCU?
Robert Downey Jr. may have hoped for an early abandonment of subtlety in the MCU, which could have further enhanced his portrayal of Tony Stark. Although this didn't happen during his time, ‘Deadpool & Wolverine' may mark this much-awaited shift.
Why Deadpool & Wolverine Matters
‘Deadpool & Wolverine' is not just about reintroducing iconic characters but also denotes a vital shift in MCU's narrative style. It might be the right step for the MCU, hinting at potential new dynamics in the franchise's future.
As we wait for ‘Deadpool & Wolverine' to hit the theaters on July 26, 2024, we can only ponder the changes this movie will introduce to MCU's storytelling approach. Whatever the case, the future looks exciting for Marvel heroes and their avid followers.
